Extendible cleaning implement

ABSTRACT

An extendible cleaning implement for a cleaning machine which includes an adjustable length wand including a lower tube telescopically received in an upper tube. The length of the tubes can be adjusted using a latching mechanism for user convenience and to accommodate space limitations. A solution delivery conduit is provided with a portion of flexible tubing preformed in helix. The helix allows the conduit to extend or contract as the wand is lengthened or shortened, preventing “play” in the conduit and thereby eliminating both awkward use of the cleaning implement and potential user safety hazards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to cleaning devices and, more particularly, to cleaning implements used for wet-cleaning. The invention is a simple apparatus intended to contact a work surface, apply a cleaning material, and then remove the cleaning material and unwanted soil.

[0002] Previously, various types of devices have been employed for the cleaning of surfaces. One common type device is known as a jet water extractor. In such a device, a source of cleaning solution and vacuum are provided in communication with a wand having a vacuum and a spray in the nozzle. By means of a valve, an operator can spray out cleaning solution immediately ahead of the vacuum as the wand is employed in its normal operating movement.

[0003] Typically, the wands employed with previously known carpet soil extractors have comprised a unitary tubular member with the vacuum nozzle fixedly and immovably attached to the working end. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,351,359 and 3,083,041 show devices that allow the length of the wand to be adjusted through a range of positions.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,547 provides a wand for carpet soil extractors in which the length of the wand is adjustable and provides for a delivery of a cleaning solution. This system has drawbacks associated with the ease of adjustment of the wand length. This system requires the user to unscrew a threaded nipple, slide the tubes to the desired length, and finally to screw the threaded nipple back down to secure the device. This process requires the user to stop use of the system. This system also fails to efficiently manage the solution delivery conduit in a compressed state.

[0005] These systems do not address the unique problems associated with delivery of a liquid solution to the surface to be cleaned. Problems occur with the known prior art when the wand is placed in a fully compressed state. As the wand is compressed the length that the solution delivery conduit must traverse becomes shorter than the length of the solution delivery conduit. As a result the solution delivery conduit begins to loop far out to the side. As these loops become larger the device becomes unwieldy and hampers the user's ability to properly use it. In addition, there is a possibility that the solution delivery conduit can become crimped reducing the flow of cleaning solution to the work surface and thus diminishing the effectiveness of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is a cleaning implement comprising a wand which is longitudinally extendible and collapsible, and a cleaning solution conduit which is configured in a helix. With the helical configuration, the wand can be easily adjusted lengthwise.

[0007] The helix allows the conduit to extend or contract as the wand is lengthened or shortened, preventing “play” in the conduit and thereby eliminating both awkward use of the cleaning implement and potential user safety hazards.

[0008] The wand can be also adjusted with one hand, during operation of the system.

[0009] The present invention provides a cleaning implement in which the solution delivery conduit does not loop to the side when the wand is compressed.

[0010] Importantly the present invention permits the wand length to conform to the user's height. This alleviates back fatigue and allows the cleaning implement to be properly positioned on the floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 shows the prior art in an extended state;

[0014]FIG. 3 shows the prior art in a compressed state;

[0015]FIG. 4 shows the invention in an extended state;

[0016]FIG. 5 shows the invention in a compressed state;

[0017]FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of the latching mechanism in a locked state;

[0018]FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of the latching mechanism in an open state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Referring now to the drawing and more particularly FIGS. 1, and 4-7, an extendible cleaning implement for a cleaning device made according to the invention is shown. An adjustable length wand shown generally at 1 is shown with an upper tube 21 having a diameter d₁ and a lower tube 20 having a diameter d₂. The diameter d₂ of the lower tube 20 is smaller than the diameter d₁ of the upper tubes such that the lower tube is telescopically received within the upper tube.

[0020] A nozzle 40 is attached to the lower tube 20 and is in fluid communication with a vacuum portion 42. A solution portion 41 is located adjacent the vacuum portion 42.

[0021] In FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that solution is delivered to the nozzle 40 through a solution delivery conduit 30. The solution delivery conduit 30 is attached to the upper tube 21 at 36. A valve (not shown) controls delivery of the solution to the nozzle 40. The portion of the tubing between points 36 and the nozzle 40 assumes a helix 60 shape.

[0022] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the relationship between the upper tube 21 and the lower tube 20 can be seen. A latching mechanism is denoted generally at 50. Any latching mechanism 50 could be used but preferably, the latching mechanism 50 comprises a spring 51 which urges a switch 52 into a locked position (shown best in FIG. 6). In the locked position, the switch 52 pushes on a ball bearing 53. The ball bearing 53 cooperates with a series of depressions 54 located on the lower tube 20 such that when the latching mechanism 50 is in a locked positioned the tubes 21, 20 are prevented from moving with respect to one another. When the latching mechanism 50 has engaged the upper depression the device is in an extended position best shown in FIG. 4. When the latching mechanism 50 has engaged the lower depression the device is in a compressed position best shown in FIG. 5.

[0023] A dynamic seal 23 seals the interface between the lower tube 20 and the upper tube 21. This seal 23 allows the adjustable length wand 1 to maintain the vacuum applied through the nozzle 40 and return the solution and unwanted soil to the cleaning device.

[0024] A travel limit 24 is located on the lower tube 20 and cooperates with stop 25 located on the upper tube 21 to prevent the separation of the upper and lower tubes 21, 20 in the wand 1.

[0025] Returning to the helix 60, points 61 and 62 are located 360° from each other. The distance between the two points 61 and 62 is denoted generally as X but specifically as X₁ in FIG. 4 and X₂ in FIG. 5. The helix portion of the solution delivery conduit 30 is preformed. In a relaxed state, the distance X of the helix portion is close to zero. The length of the helix portion of the solution delivery conduit 30 is chosen so that the helix is maintained from the compressed position through the range of positions to the extended position.

[0026] With reference to the Figures, the use of the device can be seen. Prior to cleaning, the operator adjusts the length of the wand 1 to a preferred length using the latching mechanism 50. Once comfortable with the length, the operator can begin applying solution to the work surface by opening the valve (not shown). The solution is sprayed through the injection portion (not shown) onto the work surface and then removed along with unwanted soil and residue through the vacuum portion (not shown) and returned back to the cleaning device through the tubes 20, 21.

[0027] The height of the operator as well as the nature of the cleaning will dictate the desired length of the wand 1. For example, a short operator would desire a length closer to the compressed position, while a taller operator would desire a length closer to the extended position. If the work surface being cleaned is a large open area, such as the area in the middle of a room, the wand 1 could be lengthened to the extended position to maximize the area covered with each stroke of the device. When working in smaller areas such as corners and steps, the wand 1 could be shortened to the compressed position to allow a more controlled and precise application.

[0028] The ability of the delivery conduit 30 to accommodate the various lengths of the wand 1 is an important feature of the invention. The helix portion of the conduit 30 is preformed and thus this portion of the conduit 30 will have a tendency to return to a helix configuration. Throughout the range of positions the helix is maintained efficiently adjacent the wand 1 and the conduit 30 does not loop out to the side. A constant flow of solution is delivered and the function of the cleaning device is not compromised.

[0029] It should now be apparent that the instant invention has presented an extendible tool attachment for use with a floor cleaning device which is easily adjustable in length and incorporates a mechanism to manage the solution delivery conduit at any chosen length of the wand 1. The instant invention is an improvement over the existing prior art which fail to address the above identified problems.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment in the invention the wand 1 is four and a half feet long in the extended position and three feet two inches long in the compressed position. The series of depressions are spaced one inch apart and the helix 60 has six coils which can stretch the full sixteen inches of travel of the adjustable length wand 1.

[0031] In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment of the invention have been presented and described in detail. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the best mode or preferred embodiment, rather the true scope and breadth of the invention should be determined from the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An extendible cleaning implement for use with a cleaning device comprising: (a) an upper tube having a first diameter, (b) a lower tube having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, said lower tube telescopically received within said upper tube, (c) a dynamic seal located on said lower tube and maintaining a seal between said lower tube and said upper tube, (d) a travel limit located on said lower tube and cooperating with said upper tube to prevent separation of said upper tube and said lower tube, (e) a nozzle attached to the lower tube and having, a solution injection portion for delivering a solution to a surface to be cleaned, a vacuum portion in fluid communication with said lower tube for removing the solution from the surface to be cleaned, (f) a latching mechanism for fixing said upper tube with respect to said lower tube, (g) a solution delivery conduit attached at a top end to said upper tube and attached at a bottom end to said nozzle, (h) a portion of said solution delivery conduit located between said top end and said bottom end being preformed in a helix, said portion maintained in the helix as said lower tube is telescopically received within said upper tube.
 2. The extendible cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the latching mechanism further comprises: (a) a switch located on said upper tube and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, (b) a series of locked positions located on said lower tube and cooperating with said switch.
 3. The extendible cleaning implement of claim 1 wherein the latching mechanism further comprises: (a) a switch located on said upper tube and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, said switch further comprising: i. a biasing surface located on one side of said switch, ii. a spring contacting said biasing surface and urging said switch towards the locked position, iii. a contacting surface located adjacent said biasing surface, (b) a ball bearing in contact with said contacting surface, (c) a series of depressions located on said lower tube and being shaped to receive said ball bearing in the locked position, movement of said switch to the unlocked position allowing said ball bearing to move away from said series of depressions. 